Prospect Profile: Kaiir Elam
As the Patriots continue into the rebuild/retooling of the team, there are some units needing more help than others. After trading cornerback Stephon Gilmore to the Panthers in October, J.C. Jackson was left as the top corner on the team.
With some initial concerns at first, Jackson outperformed all expectations. Because he was set to become a free agent at the end of the season, there was hope an agreement could be reached to keep the young player around for years to come.
Unfortunately, Jackson chose to sign with the L.A. Chargers in free agency. With both of their top secondary players now gone, New England is in the market for a new star. It won’t be easy to fill the void, left by both Gilmore and Jackson, but there is a name to watch out for in the draft.
What Can Kaiir Elam Do?
The son of former NFL safety Abram Elam and the nephew of Matt Elam, football is in Kaiir Elam’s DNA. A junior out of University of Florida, he enters the draft as one of the top cornerback prospects available. Although he may not be discussed as much as others in the draft with him, Elam’s raw physical ability and strong instincts put his name in the same conversation.
At 6-foot-2 and 191 pounds, he’s the complete embodiment of what the Patriots look for in a CB. Beyond his physical attributes, Elam is an explosive and quick player, running a 4.39 in the 40-yard-dash at the combine.
In his three years at Florida, Elam totaled six interceptions, 20 passes defended, and 78 total tackles. His best season came in 2020, which earned him Coaches’ All-SEC First Team honors. Although his 2021 production wasn’t nearly up to par for his usual play, Elam’s physicality and growth show up well on tape, making him desirable for many teams in need of a CB.
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Kaiir Elam Highlightsts
How Does He Fit With The Patriots?
The Patriots have been fortunate to have studs in their secondary for quite a few years. Losing both star cornerbacks within the same year is not exactly ideal. However, it allows them the opportunity to dive into the wide talent of this year’s draft.
Elam has been one of the more popular to land with New England in dozens of mock drafts for a reason. Similar in size to both Gilmore and Jackson, he brings a play style the Patriots are used to.
Quick Attributes And Skillset
Coverage:
One of his most notable traits has been his pass protection stats. When targeted in college, Kaiir Elam only allowed a 55.6 passer rating, leaving receivers able to make catches 45.5% of the time. Elam plays with a mix of aggressiveness and patience. This is the style of play that the Patriots covet
Speed:
He can keep up with any receiver he is covering because of his quickness. Playing against some of the best WR in college, Elam used his size and speed to his advantage; keeping up from the start or using his lengthy build to catch up when need be. The AFC East is becoming much more competitive. New England would be more successful with Elam handling the opponent’s receivers.
Mentality:
As a former high school wide receiver, Elam has instincts that cannot be taught. He understands how a WR truly operates and has been proven to give him the advantage in several games. His timing, instincts, and execution make it difficult for offenses to feel comfortable, which would be a huge asset to the Patriots’ depleted secondary.
Versatility:
Bill Belichick values versatility. Every season many players in New England can contribute in multiple positions, even during a single game. Elam predominately plays as an outside corner, but throughout his college career, he was asked to move around the secondary. Although it may have been limited timing compared to his usual spot, he also has experience in the slot and as a box defender.
Development:
With his last season in college not his most noteworthy, Kaiir Elam has all the tools to play at a starting level in the NFL. He continuously improved during his time in Florida, showing he is capable of learning and adapting quickly. The Patriots are likely looking for a J.C. Jackson replacement, Elam is on the right track to taking over that spot immediately.
Expert Opinions
“After losing star cornerback J.C. Jackson to the Chargers in free agency, the Patriots find his replacement here. Elam combines size, physicality, and speed―and can start from day one.” –Danny Kelly of The Ringer
“Bill Belichick has always valued bigger cornerbacks that can play on the boundary. They acquired DeVante Parker from Miami so a need at wide receiver has diminished but cornerback still looms. Elam can step in and be counted upon much in the same way as Stephon Gilmore or J.C. Jackson.” –Josh Edwards of CBS Sports
“Elam plays a position of need for New England and possesses a combination of size, speed and intelligence that will be very appealing to Bill Belichick.” –Lance Zierlein of NFL.com
“The Florida CB’s lateral burst and fluidity allow him to correct his positioning easily, and he has more than enough speed and agility to mirror receivers out of breaks. All told, Elam is an elite physical specimen with a rare combination of length, fluidity, explosiveness, and little wasted movement.” –Ian Cummings of Pro Football Network
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